Summer Music Festivals in BC - 2017
The music festivals are coming!
While the lineup of festivals is ever changing, one thing is for sure, there is something for everyone and TONS to choose from.
Here we break down the festivals for you: dates, locations, lineups, and any big info you need to know.
As the festival lineups are announced, we'll continue to add to this list! They'll be in chronological order, and we'll take down the festivals after they happen - so that you can plan your summer weekends accordingly. Bookmark the page, and check back often!
What: GO Fest
When: May 19-21, 2017
Where: Whistler, BC
Who Is Performing: 54-40,
What Do You Need To Know: Free concerts during the Great Outdoors Festival in Whistler. Schedule as follows: Friday, May 19: 7:30 p.m 54•40 -- Saturday, May 20: 3 p.m. MAZACOTE 7:30 p.m., The Zolas -- Sunday, May 21: 3 p.m, //AMISTAD//, 7:30 p.m, Dear Rouge
What: Music Waste
When: June 1-4, 2017
Where: Vancouver, BC
Who Is Performing: SO many local bands. Check the poster below!
What Do You Need To Know: The annual volunteer-run celebration of local music, art and comedy is ramping up to its 23rd year of supporting local artists and independent culture. Happening June 1 - 4, Music Waste will host 80 bands at over 20 venues -- and it still costs only $15 a pass.
What: Vancouver International Jazz Festival
When: June 22 - July 2, 2017
Where: Vancouver, BC
Who Is Performing: Many jazz names you may not recognize, but Seu Jorge (and his tribute to David Bowie) are a must see!
What Do You Need To Know: There are ticketed events throughout the festival and free concerts at different locations as well, such as David Lam Park, and Granville Island on Canada Day! Click here for the schedule.
What: Tall Tree Music Festival
When: June 23 - 25, 2017
Where: Port Renfrew, BC
Who Is Performing: Tokyo Police Club, Jon and Roy, Grand Analog, Wild Romantics, Jesse Roper, Fake Shark, David Beckingham, Sam Weber, and so many more.
What Do You Need To Know: This rain or shine festival takes place on the side of Browns Mountain in Port Renfrew BC. Be prepared for all kinds of weather and to decorate your campsite with friends. Oh, and there's no cell service, so unplug for a weekend too!
What: Phillips Backyard Weekend
When: July 7-9, 2017
Where: Victoria, BC
Who Is Performing: TBA
What Do You Need To Know: Taking place in the backyard behind Phillips Brewery (hence it's name) this weekend festival in Victoria is always a lot of fun.
What: Khatsahlano Street Party
When: July 8, 2017
Where: Vancouver, BC
Who Is Performing: TBA
What Do You Need To Know: Once again West 4th Ave will be shut down for the day for the ultimate street party, including several stages and live bands!
What: Red Truck: Truck Stop Summer Series
When: June 17 & July 15 & August 12, 2017
Where: Vancouver, BC
Who Is Performing: Cut/Copy, Youngblood, Harpoonist & The Axe Murderer, Vince Vaccaro, Band Of Rascals, Drake White & The Big Fire, Lee Fields & The Expressions, and more
What Do You Need To Know: Once again West 4th Ave will be shut down for the day for the ultimate street party, including several stages and live bands!
What: Vancouver Folk Music Festival
When: July 13-16, 2017
Where: Vancouver, BC
Who Is Performing: Barenaked Ladies (!), CR Avery, The Belle Game, Jim Bryson, Choir! Choir! Choir!, Cold Specks, Kathleen Edwards (!!!), John K Samson, Andy Shauf and tons more
What Do You Need To Know: Folk Fest is celebrating it's 40th year and have some great names performing during the day and under the big tent in the evenings. Grab your best blanket and stake out a spot on the lawn (and revel in the fact that you can sleep in a bed at the end of the day!)
What: ArtsWells
When: August 4-7, 2017
Where: Wells, BC
Who Is Performing: TBA
What Do You Need To Know: This arty festival is a little gem that I always here the bands that perform rave about. Another great festival to disconnect at!
What: Burnaby Blues & Roots Festival
When: August 12, 2017
Where: Burnaby, BC
Who Is Performing: Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Matt Andersen, Leeroy Stagger, Jesse Roper, Murray Porter and more
What Do You Need To Know: The 18th year of the festival lands smack in the middle of August, so the weather should be good at Deer Lake Park. Two different stages of continuous music will have something for everyone and all ages.
What: Ponderosa Festival
When: August 18-20, 2017
Where: Rock Creek, BC
Who Is Performing: Wolf Parade, Austra, Five Alarm Funk, Bear Mountain, The Wet Secrets, Fake Shark, The Courtneys, Gang Signs, Tonye Aganaba, Little Destroyer, IMUR, and more
What Do You Need To Know: The journey out to Rock Creek might be the best destination festival looking at the lineup! Plus there's a bus pass so you don't even have to do the drive yourself!
What: Otalith Music Festival
When: August 18-19, 2017
Where: Ucluelet, BC
Who Is Performing: Shakey Graves, People Under The Stairs, Fidlar, Band Of Rascals, The Barefoot Thieves, Vinyl Ritchie
What Do You Need To Know: This tiny coastal festival fills up (esp. camping) very quickly. But if you're looking for a fest with a chill vibe and a smaller crowd, this is the one. Plus you're on the island, so make sure you trek into Tofino while you're there!
What: Rifflandia
When: September 14-17, 2017
Where: Victoria, BC
Who Is Performing: TBA
What Do You Need To Know: The festival that usually wraps up the season is back in September, with both it's daytime outdoor concerts, and evening venue concerts. It consistently has a great lineup, so keep an eye out and then book your accommodations!